A supermarket was forced to close this morning after an axe-wielding man caused panic inside.
Police officers raced to the incident at the Asda store in Glenrothes, Fife, around 9am this morning.
Eyewitnesses claimed a man turned up at the shop "swinging an axe" after being asked to leave by staff earlier in the day, the Daily Record reports.
A man aged 40 was arrested and officers suffered minor injuries when they apprehended him, police say. A police car was also damaged.
One shopper told the Courier she had been at the self-service checkout near the entrance doors when she heard a “very loud noise”.
She said: "I saw a man come in the front door and he threw something into the shop – I can’t be sure what it was.
“By this time there was a big staff presence and he continued to throw stuff in the doors, like plants, and I believe he also picked up a trolley but I didn’t see if he threw this or not.
“I think the staff managed to get the doors closed, but then one of the members of staff said he was coming back with an axe.
“I was so shocked and disgusted at what had just happened, and I really felt for the poor staff who had to deal with such behaviour.”
Some customers who were inside at the time have praised the quick-thinking efforts of workers on social media.
One said: " Amazing reactions by staff at @asda Glenrothes this morning, put themselves at risk to prevent a situation that could have been much much worse than a few displays damaged, hope they’re rewarded accordingly by the company."
A spokesperson for Asda said: "We have been made aware of an incident that took place at the Glenrothes store earlier today and would like to praise all of our colleagues at the store who acted quickly and effectively until authorities arrived. The store is now reopen and we are working with the police in their inquiries.’’
Inspector Kirk Donnelly, Police Scotland said: “We can confirm a 40-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with a disturbance at an ASDA Supermarket, Queensgate Industrial Estate, around 8.15am on Wednesday, 1 June, 2020.
"The man was found to be in possession of an offensive weapon, but I would like reassure the public that there is no threat to the wider community.
"A police car was damaged while the suspect was apprehended and officers received minor injuries.
No members of the public were injured and I would like to thank them for their assistance with this incident.
"The 40-year-old man is due to appear at Falkirk Sheriff Court on Thursday, 2 June, 2020 "
